Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 52)
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Enjoy the highlights of the London Restaurant Festival 2018
October is a month of wrapping up warm and preparing for the chillier months ahead. However, whilst you may feel cold on the outside, there is also a chance to feel warm and content on the inside. With the London Restaurant Festival 2018, you can ignore the darkening skies with the exploration of exotic foods within comfy settings. Let this list allow you to focus on what really matters in this festival: exciting food, fun menus and fascinating sceneries.
- Digest the Diversity
For a starter, let us jump into the main highlight of London Restaurant Festival, its diversity. Whether you are looking to try new tapas meals, explore the cuisines of the world or even to see which drinks will compliment a certain food type, the festival will bring a multitude of flavours and experiences to your palette. With the option to experience the festival’s tasting menus, in which a range of restaurants will offer a pairing of around four to eleven courses, as well as drinks, you are bound to find something that you will be craving to taste again.
- Taste the Future
As #EatOctober is the celebration of the diversity of food within different cultures, why not spice your visit with a quick peek of the future. The Hertzstuck Future Dining Room offers a theatrical experience with foods which will stimulate your taste buds as well as demonstrate new technology to enhance your dinner.
- Culinary Tours
Want to turn the festival into a true touristic experience? Once you have vacated to the Dorset Hotel in the City of London, then why not try out a Culinary Tour around the city. Known as the Hopping Tours, these tours will set you on a journey across London, including a visit to Devonshire Square, St James’s and Regent Street, to see the city’s newest up-and-coming restaurants. This means that you will be able to jump around five restaurants in one day for the modest price of £45, a bargain!
- Artistic Venues
The festival offers a range of interesting venues to dine in, however for those who wish to be surrounded by the art of the Saatchi Gallery, the Gallery Mess combines a private tour of the gallery with a four-course meal. You will even be able to meet the artists and curators whilst enjoying a Rémy Martin cocktail; culture at its finest.
- The Basics of Pairing
There is always a special drink that will enhance the flavour of a certain dish. However, with so many wines it can be difficult to pair them off without guidance from a professional advisor. Dive into a glass of wine with the Restaurant Wine Tasting event, where you will be welcomed into the stylish Andaz Studio before being invited to try an array of wines. From white to red, each wine is brought to you from a different country. There is even a tray of canapes to keep you from getting a little too tipsy.
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6 Ways Landlords Can Protect Their Investments
Real estate is one of the smartest investments you can make. Considering that rates of renting are increasing every year – thanks to Millennials and Gen Z, who have largely refuted traditional home ownership paths – and that rent has increased in almost all cities across the U.S., becoming a landlord could be the financial boost you always wanted.
However, real estate is also risky. Property is not inexpensive; even after you have paid off your mortgage, you can expect the costs of regular maintenance to add up. Plus, every renter threatens your investment due to the possibility of negligence or direct damage to the property.
Yet, you absolutely should invest in real estate and become a landlord – but you should be smart about protecting your investment as thoroughly as you can. Here are a few ways you can mitigate the financial risks of real estate and flourish as a landlord.
Get the Right Insurance
Typical homeowner’s insurance won’t cover anything in an investment property. That’s because the insurance you seek to protect your primary residence assumes that you will be on-hand to perform maintenance and preserve your investment; in a rental property, not only will you be absent nearly all of the time, but the people who are living on the property have little to no incentive to keep it safe and secure.
Thus, your first step to protect your investment should be procuring the correct insurance for your property: landlord insurance. While on the surface these policies look identical to typical homeowner’s insurance, they do more to safeguard your investment from careless renters. For example, in the event you cannot rent your property due to previous damage, your insurance will cover that loss of income while you rebuild.
Remember Home Warranties
Unlike insurance, home warranties do not differ between primary and investment properties. Whenever you purchase a home, you should acquire a home warranty to ensure the proper function of its various systems, regardless of whether you plan to live there or rent the space to tenants. A home warranty will help you avoid the excessive costs of replacing old appliances, HVAC units, electrical and plumbing and more. A renter cannot buy a home warranty because they do not own the property, so it is up to you to protect your investment in this way.
Consider Forming an LLC
If you plan to buy several rental properties and make landlording a significant source of income, you should strongly consider forming an LLC to protect your personal assets. If you purchase all your properties under your name, you assume the liability of their debts, so your real estate investments can force you into bankruptcy – and worse. Conversely, an LLC would assume those debts for you, keeping your personal finances safe.
Creating an LLC is easier than you might imagine, but the precise process does vary from state to state. Usually, all it requires is a business name, an operating agreement, a bit of paperwork and a filing fee of between $100 and $800. Then, you can enjoy financial security alongside the lucrative gains of rental properties.
Rely on a Property Manager
As handy as you might believe yourself to be, you probably don’t want to wait hand and foot on your tenants. Disasters can strike at the most inconvenient times – in the middle of the night, just before your long-awaited vacation, on the day before Thanksgiving – and you shouldn’t have to drop everything to replace a broken window or diagnose a problem with the refrigerator. That’s why you need a property manager.
In truth, property management firms do much more than handle maintenance requests from tenants. They can also manage monthly rent payments, perform tenant searches, handle evictions and more. If you prefer to enjoy the fruits of property ownership without the headaches, the minor costs of property management are well worthwhile.
Write the Right Tenant Agreements
The time has long passed when handshakes were an acceptable beginning, middle and end to agreements. You should know that you need a written and signed contract from your tenant to ensure your agreement is enforceable under the law. However, you should also be certain that your rental agreements say what you need them to, so your properties stay safe. At the bare minimum, your contract should state:
- The names of your tenants
- The limits on occupancy of your property
- The term of the tenancy
- The mandatory rent payment
- Any deposits and fees required
- Responsibilities for various repairs and maintenance
- Restrictions on illegal activity
- Rules regarding pet ownership
You could take a risk and skip protecting your property – and you might still profit for a time. However, sooner or later, a tenant will make you wish you had taken action to keep your investment safe. Thus, it is smarter to make moves first, and thus avoid regrets, with these six simple steps that will continue to protect your real estate.
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What Causes Floor Tiles To Loosen
Every once in a while you might have problems with your floor tile. Usually, they loosen up a bit, turning into a tripping hazard and making your floor look as though it’s completely uncared for. Before you can start repairing the tiles, adhering them to the floor securely once again, you need to understand what made them become loose in the first place.
Problems with Adhesion
This is one of the most common issues. In most cases, when your floor tile begins to become loose, it’s because whoever handled the installation did not use enough adhesive in the first place. It could also be that the adhesive wasn’t applied properly. In order to prevent this, you need to follow the directions on the package. They’ll tell you how much adhesive to use, as well as the correct ways to use it.
There are also issues with using the wrong adhesive for the job, such as one meant for a different type of subfloor than you have. In addition, the adhesive could have been mixed incorrectly. The wrong ratio of adhesive to liquid can result in a very problematic application.
The Weather
You’re probably aware of the fact that your hardwood floors expand and contract, depending on the amount of moisture in the air and the overall temperature in your home. However, you more than likely didn’t realize that your floor tiles do the same thing. When the foundation of your home expands and contracts with the weather, your subfloor moves a bit, causing the adhesive holding the tiles in place to weaken and for the tiles to crack or become loose. This places some stress on them.
The Load Placed On the Tiles
Most types of tile can handle quite a bit of a weight load. However, if you attempt to put too much weight on them, for example, with an extremely heavy stove or other appliance, the tiles won’t be able to handle it. As a result, they’ll start to break free of the floor. The adhesive will give way, along with the grout.
Something similar happens when you place those tiles in a very high traffic area, such as an entryway. When people are walking on them day in and day out, the adhesive will cease to stick properly, and you could end up with cracked tiles.
Substrate Issues
If you have placed your tiles directly over the subfloor in your basement, moisture can seep in through the foundation, causing the tiles to move around. The moisture will loosen the adhesive, leaving you with tiles that are no longer stuck in place. Once the tiles begin to move, the grout will crack, and you’ll have quite a mess on your hands.
No matter the issue that caused the loose tiles, you’ll have to take the necessary steps to correct the main problem. Otherwise, you’ll just need to deal with the loose tiles again and again. Those repairs must be made in order to prevent additional damage.
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7 Destinations in East Africa That Tourists Should Not Miss
The continent of Africa is a breathtaking terrain of diversity that has enamored travelers for centuries. It is a haven of adventure for the energetic of visitors, and a cornucopia of exhilarating experiences for those with more modest goals for their trip.
Adventure and education abound for those who visit Africa, and East Africa has some of the most incredible sights and experiences of all. People visit East Africa mostly to view the Great Migration but there is more to East Africa than just Serengeti. Given below are 7 destinations that a tourist should not miss exploring. You can use websites like Tripindigo.com to secure online flight bookings to East Africa.
Mt. Kilimanjaro (North Tanzania)
Bold adventurers have been scaling this great mountain for a long time. Though the mountain takes as many as six days to conquer, it is an exciting opportunity – even for those without a lot of special climbing equipment or experience. The terrain of the mountain makes it relatively easy to hike (in comparison to other mountains), which is exciting considering that Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
Tsavo National Park (Kenya)
For those with safari ambitions, Tsavo National Park is a must-visit. As one of the largest national parks in the world, Tsavo is the largest national park in all of Africa. The park is separated into Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, and both of them offer numerous accommodations for visitors. Oftentimes, these accommodations are near watering holes. This makes game viewing easier, and even downright leisurely.
Zanzibar (Tanzania’s East Coast)
The unique history of this former slave trading post that initially became famed for its spices draws in thousands of visitors every year. Zanzibar’s capital, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site and has so much to see for those who wish to immerse themselves in history. Of course, one cannot make mention of Zanzibar without talking about the beaches. With options available for every budget, anybody can enjoy the unique scenery of Zanzibar.
The Selous (South Tanzania)
If you want a safari away from the Serengeti that still offers a more authentic approach to safari, The Selous might be the ticket. Cheetahs, elephants, black rhinos, crocodiles and hippos populate the swampy areas and wetlands of The Selous. The landscape of this area makes it possible for explorers to take their safari by boat, which is pretty exciting. Accommodations can be sparse in this area, but that just makes it easier to have an authentic trip and get to intimately know the region.
Lamu Island (Kenya)
This island off the coast of Kenya is the most well-preserved Swahili settlement in Eastern Africa. It still bares evidence of its numerous cultural influences: European, Asian, Persian, Indian and Kenyan inhabitants drastically shaped the island’s terrain and culture. This is a great starting point for anybody seeking a greater East African adventure, but it is also a great place to spend time is a standalone vacation. For history buffs, there is no greater sight to see than the blend of modern-day and historical buildings that line the cobbled streets of Lamu.
Mount Kenya (Kenya)
Mount Kenya is one of the highest peaks in Africa, second only to Mt. Kilimanjaro. While only the bravest of souls and most rugged of bodies can reach the mountain’s summit, anybody can appreciate the breathtaking view of the mountain in person. Pictures do no justice, though you’ll be compelled to take many when you see Mount Kenya for yourself. If your aim is not to climb the mountain, you can still enjoy the rich opportunities for game-viewing in the forest or take in the splendor of nearby rivers. There is no shortage of eye candy or adventure on Mount Kenya.
Mahale Mountains (West Tanzania)
Famed for its dense chimp population, the Mahale Mountains are a sight to behold for lovers of nature and wildlife who want an experience different from the traditional safari adventure. This remote location wasn’t deemed a tourist destination until about ten years ago, and it still remains a hidden gem in the heart of East Africa. May to October is the dry season and the ideal time for visiting Mahale Mountains.
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5 Unique Tourist Attractions in Brisbane
Brisbane is dynamic combination of art and outdoor adventure where creative spaces, music, hip new tasty restaurants meets picturesque gardens and man- made beach lagoons. Go down under into Brisbane’s eclectic arts scene, eat, drink, and shop in the hippest neighborhoods, and explore the thrills and wildlife. Domestic and International flight arrive at Brisbane Airport from various global hubs. Search flights to Brisbane on sites like Expedia to find the most affordable tickets for your trip to Brisbane. From the airport, the city center is a 20-minute taxi or train ride to the city center. The inner city offers a free bus service that circles the city every 10 minutes, and a free CityHopper ferry service that will ferry you along the river from North Quay to New Farm. Explore the sun-soaked capital of Queensland, Australia over a couple of days or a few weeks with our tips of 5 unique must-see tourist attractions.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Visit Australia’s wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get the quintessential Aussie experience, cuddling with a national icon. This is the best place in Brisbane to guarantee to see and hugging a Koala. You will learn about them and other Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, snakes, and even crocodiles in this sanctuary. Daily experience showings and encounters include large bird of prey flight demonstrations, platypus feeding, sheepdog and shearing shows, and barn animal encounters. Be sure to take a souvenir picture when your up close and personal cuddling with a koala or holding a snake or baby crocodile.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
Located seven kilometers from the city, ascend to the top of Mount Coot-tha and take in the panoramic views of Brisbane and Moreton Bay. Dine at the renowned Summit Restaurant or the famous Kuta Café at the top of Mount Coot-tha. The breath-taking views are truly spectacular, purely stunning during the day and a blissful romantic wonderland at night. Also, on top of Mount Coot-tha is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha boasts diverse themed gardens over 128 acres of horticulture. Gardens include the beautiful Japanese gardens, fragrant plants, bamboo, cactus, indigenous plants, and the world’s most extensive collection of Australian rainforest trees. Children can enjoy the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail through the rainforest, and you can journey through the free guided walks, minibus tours and restaurants that serves up delicious views to go along with the amazing city views. Best of all it’s free admission to the gardens.
The Cultural Precinct
The heritage-listed Cultural Precinct of Brisbane is loaded with family-friendly excursions located on the banks of the Brisbane River. With several museums, galleries, performance venues, and picturesque parklands, it is definitely a day out destination with plenty of fun things to do. Relax on the riverfront surrounded by lush lawns and gardens. Explore the exceptional collections at the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Science Center’s interactive exhibits, or immerse yourself in the thought-provoking, avant-garde art at the popular Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Institute of Modern Art. The QAGOMA are housed in two riverside buildings on the South Bank. The collection composed of over 17,000 diverse works of Australian and international modern, historical, and contemporary art exhibits. The Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Fortitude Valley concentrates on commissioning new at work by Australian and international artists.
The music scene is Brisbane is one to talk about! Catch a show at the Queensland performing arts Center where world-class performances of everything from ballet to opera to comedy shows and contemporary music concerts. Check out the music line-up at The Triffid hosts some of music’s hottest acts or have a “down home country goodtime” at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, an all-American saloon with live country music and southern style bar snacks.
South Bank
The South Bank is the original site of World Expo in 1988; it is truly spectacular because it has a little piece of everything. In its 17 hectares it has a subtropical rainforest, a man-made beach, all the major cultural sites, with food from around the globe, markets, shopping, parks, walkways, rollerblading and a riverside promenade. The South Bank is an oasis for activity. Here you will find public BBQ grills, picnic spots, the Queensland Performing Arts Center, Queensland Museum, and the Brisbane Wheel. The Brisbane Wheel was built in 2008 to mark the 150th anniversary of the state of Queensland. The giant Ferris wheel offers an exciting 10 to 12-minute ride with an amazing birds-eye view of the river and city any time of the day and night.
Brisbane’s Story Bridge
Brisbane’s Iconic Story Bridge is one of only three (After Auckland and Sydney) bridge climb experiences in the world. Built during Australia’s Great Depression in the 1930’s, this bridge is a historic and much-loved landmark of Brisbane. The bridge caters to people 10 years or older of all fitness levels. The bridge takes about two hours to reach the top of the bridge, 80-meters above the Brisbane River. At the top, gaze at the complete uninterrupted view of the city; look north to the Glasshouse Mountains and to the south to the World Heritage-listed Gold Coast Hinterland. If you’re into the thrill of an adrenaline rush, unique to this bridge is the choice to abseil or rappel down a 30- meter descent. Climb Brisbane’s Story Bridge during the day or at night.
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4 Places to Add to Your California Bucket List
California is one of the most popular travel destinations, with more people visiting each year and tourism seeing growth for seven consecutive years. It’s a state with plenty to see and destinations to suit sunseekers who love the beach and adventure junkies who love the mountains. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your Californian trip, Abercrombie & Kent put together the ultimate guide which should help to inspire you!
San Francisco
San Francisco is a hilly city located in northern California, and definitely worth a visit. The city is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the well-known Bay. Best known for the infamous Golden Gate Bridge, Victorian houses and cable cars – all things to add to your itinerary whilst you’re visiting. Be prepared to do a lot of walking in this city, there’s a lot to see by foot and this is one of the best ways to explore the local cafes, shops and attractions. If you want to make the most of being in the city, you can grab an attraction pass which allows you to experience a lot of what the city has to offer. From unlimited cable car rides (hello!) to museums, bay cruise adventures and more.
Napa Valley
Napa county is north of San Francisco and is home to the infamous wine region. If you’re a fan of fantastic views, great wine and delicious food then this is the destination for you. If you are interested in visiting, then booking onto a winery tour is a great way to explore the area and enjoy some of the local offerings; you can even do it in a hot air balloon! There are plenty of luxury California holidays available for you to explore, including trips to the beautiful vineyards, and beyond.
Yosemite National Park
This famous national park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is known for its breath-taking landscape and views. One of the most popular view points within the park is the tunnel view, located on state route 41. This is a great location to tick off your bucket list and it’s one iconic view you won’t forget any time soon. If you want to spend some time doing other activities in Yosemite park, there’s plenty on offer to explore. From hiking, tours, wellness, golfing, horse riding and even gold panning if you fancy your hand at finding some treasure. You’ll find plenty to do to keep you occupied throughout your trip!
Santa Monica
Located on the coast, this destination is home to the extremely popular Santa Monica pier which houses the Pacific Park amusement park, aquarium and Looff hippodrome carousel. This is a great destination if you’re a sun seeker and fan of being near the ocean. Why not enjoy a day at the beach and take in some of the local attractions? There are also some great neighbourhoods in the area to visit whilst you’re here, with delicious food spots and quirky shops galore.
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Here’s why lifelong learning is so important
Learning shouldn’t end when you’re done with high school or college. In fact, studies have shown that learning is crucial for our brains at all ages.
There are a few main types of learning to consider over your lifetime. The first is maintenance learning. This is the type of learning that keeps you current in your chosen field. For me, this means reading books about freelancing, honing my writing craft, and taking courses to stay relevant.
This is the type of learning that’s essential for anyone in any field. If you want to score that promotion, show your boss they can’t live without you, or better serve your clients, you’ll need to do plenty of maintenance learning. You can find these types of courses and learning opportunities on websites like Udemy and https://kaplan.co.uk/.
Another type of learning is growth learning. This involves adding skills and knowledge that you haven’t had before. This could be learning a new language, embracing a totally new skill set, picking up a hobby like knitting, or teaching yourself to code. There are many different apps, books, and online resources that can help you with all of the above.
If you haven’t yet heard of shock learning, you’re not alone. I came across this term in a recent book about innovation. The idea is that the biggest sources of innovation in any type of business are the unexpected failures or unexpected successes. This makes sense right? How often has something happened that was completely inconsistent with your ideas and expectations? And how often have these insights led to interesting ideas or a new breakthrough?
Unfortunately, most of us tend to be creatures of habit. This means that we tend to ignore the unexpected and instead rely on the information we’re more comfortable with. Sometimes, learning is about being open to new ideas and information- so you can constantly adapt and change.
We all know how tempting it can be to watch Netflix after a long day. But making the effort to learn is much more rewarding in the long run. That’s because humans need a path and a purpose to feel satisfied with life. It’s when we don’t have either of these things that we feel like we’re stuck in a rut. And it’s why so many companies are now making an effort to provide employees with the ability to make their own decisions and see how their efforts are impacting the company.
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How to increase the chance of meeting your perfect match
Still looking for that special someone? You’re not alone. We’re busier than ever, and it can be extremely difficult to find the time to meet your future spouse. If you’re ready to settle down, here are some ways you can increase the chance of meeting your perfect match:
Know thyself
Before you begin looking for someone to spend the rest of your life with, it’s important that you’re actually ready to find that person. That’s why it’s so important to get to know yourself. Spend time alone. Consider what it is you’re looking for in a relationship. Make a list of the traits your perfect match would have, and highlight the top two or three that are completely non-negotiable. Be willing to compromise. Think about what you bring to the table and your own strengths and weaknesses.
Maximise your chances
You’re unlikely to meet the love of your life while you’re sitting on the couch watching Rachel Ray in your pajamas. That’s why it’s important that you’re making an effort to “get out there” and meet people from all walks of life. Go on a singles cruise holiday. Ask your friends if they know anyone they could set you up on a blind date with. Try a new sport or hobby and make an effort to get to know everyone you can.
Stay positive
How often have you heard someone say something like “all the good men are married or gay?” When you think these thoughts, you create a self-fulfilling prophecy, and make it even less likely that you’ll be open to meeting ‘the one.’ If you believe that meeting people is easy and fun, you’ll find that you begin to naturally attract these types of people as well. If you’re not meeting them, it may be because you’ve created self-limiting beliefs around what is available.
Be open to everything
Still in the mindset that online dating is for losers? Consider where this belief is coming from when there are millions of examples of happy couples who met online and on dating apps. There are now dating websites and apps for everyone- whether you’re hoping for a long-term relationship or a short-term fling. That means that using them will increase your chances of meeting someone who is also looking for their perfect match.
What are your top tips for meeting that special someone? Leave a comment below.
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5 Adventurous Holidays You Wont Want to End
Planning a holiday is one of my favourite things to do – you can even say it’s an addiction! Each year I look forward to all the holidays I have lined up and start counting them down way too far in advance. Sometimes you’re just craving a different type of holiday, something a little more adventurous and that will put you a little outside your comfort zone. I personally love going on adventurous holidays because it brings out other people’s personalities more, you can bond over the challenging thing you did and you often learn or improve new skills. If you’re considering an adventure based holiday, here are my top 5 suggestions that I’m sure you will love!
1. Go on a Sailing Holiday in Greece
There’s something very special about being out on the water. The peaceful sound of the waves crashing around you and the freedom of knowing you can go in any direction you please. Yacht charter holidays in Greece are a wonderful way to explore all the smaller islands, seeing the Greek way of living up close. If you’re not an experienced sailor, I suggest going with a chartered option that will allow you to focus on time with your family and enjoying the natural beauty. The Greek islands are known for having many outstanding things: sunsets, incredible food, some of the world’s best beaches and excellent hospitality. This combination makes for the perfect holiday mix. If you’re a fan of watersports such as diving, snorkelling and paddle boarding, a sailing holiday can be a great way to have ample time to do all of these fun activities. Just be sure to bring along a GoPro or good underwater camera so you can record all the fun you’re having!
2. Head to New Zealand
New Zealand is best known for it’s beautiful scenery, made famous by the Lord of the Rings films. While very deserving of the admiration, there’s more to New Zealand than just beautiful scenery. In the tourist hotspots, such as Rotorua in the North Island and Queenstown in the South Island, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to extreme sports! Whether you want to go white water rafting and have your heart pumping with adrenaline, or if you would prefer to do some Zorbing – you can find almost anything in New Zealand. The bungy jump was actually invented here, and since then more options for extreme sports have been popping up all over the country. Because of the gorgeous natural backdrops that New Zealand provides, it is also one of the most interesting places in the world to Sky Dive. There’s also skiing and snowboarding during the winter which you can make even more extreme by taking a helicopter up to some remote runs. During the warmer months, or all year around if you’re brave enough, there’s also great surfing and paddle boarding all over the country. Fancy a bit of mountain biking or rock climbing? You’ll find plenty of that in New Zealand too. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is the place for you!
3. Go Trekking in Vietnam
There are so many places around the world where trekking is absolutely stunning and the scenery is breathtaking. My suggestion for a great place to go trekking is in the Sapa mountains in Northern Vietnam. The rolling rice fields are world famous and offer incredible vistas. Vietnam offers exceptional value for money, is safe, and there’s a large window of dry season where you’ll be comfortable, warm and get to enjoy beautiful sunsets. It’s also very eye opening to see how the local people live off the land in the Sapa mountains. I really enjoy trekking because while it is more adventurous than going on a tour bus, it’s still an easy enough pace that most people can enjoy and participate in. It’s also an opportunity to see more remote places that are simply not open to car or bus travel. There’s also another amazing attraction near to Sapa called Ha Long Bay – you can easily do both in the same trip!
4. Explore Some Ruins in Jordan
If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, I suggest renting a car and budgeting at least a week. There’s so much to do in this friendly, relaxed country that you need a bit of time to fit it all in. While I’ve visited many ruins around the world, such as Tikal in Guatemala, Borbordur in Indonesia, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, there was something very special about visiting Petra. I think it has to do with the way you’re welcomed into the ruins as you walk through a smaller corridor and all of a sudden the Treasury reveals itself to you. You may think that the Treasury is all that Petra has to offer, but it’s actually a giant assortment of ruins and buildings nestled into the red rocks. It takes days to explore Petra properly – I would suggest at least two days, but three if you have the spare time. This is the perfect place to go if you want to be constantly amazed by the sheer size and grandeur of the ruins. There’s also some more ruins spread across Jordan, I would really suggest visiting Jeresh if you can make it there. It’s a lot less crowded than Petra and shows how important Jordan was throughout history.
5. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Myanmar
I think Myanmar is an adventurous trip in itself and it’s worth going now if you can. Myanmar is on the cusp of changing – it’s becoming more and more popular, meaning if you’re thinking of going now is the time to go. Actually it would be better if you could go yesterday, but seeing as that’s not possible, as soon as you can is the best time to go! If you’ve not been in a hot air balloon before, it’s quite an adventure. It’s a very smooth ride and all of a sudden you’re on top of the world with the most incredible views. I did the hot air balloon over Bagan and it was such a fun way to see the gorgeous ruins and the incredible landscape. After the hot air balloon ride we got to sip on champagne – what a great way to start your day. If you’re considering a hot air balloon ride anywhere, just be sure you check what seasons they operate because most are not year round.
No matter which adventurous holiday you choose – from sailing around the beautiful Greek islands, to exploring some ruins in Jordan – you’ll be sure to create priceless memories that you can treasure.
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It Isn’t Hard to Find Luxury in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has long been alluring to backpackers and adventure travelers. The wild juggles, the remote beaches and the Central American location were once turn-offs to all but the bravest of vacationers – but no longer. Over the last decade, Costa Rica has invested heavily in its tourism industry, and today, luxury travelers from around the world find plenty of opportunity for R&R on Costa Rican shores.
In fact, unlike other Caribbean and Central American destinations, there is more than one region of Costa Rica that caters to luxury travelers. Here are the seven top spots offering comfort, class and Costa Rican culture.
Gulf of Papagayo
Perhaps the poshest spot in the country, the Gulf of Papagayo is world-renowned for its pristine beaches and perfect waves. Once the home of wide-open ranches run by Costa Rican cowboys, called sabaneros, Guanacaste Province is now the premiere luxury destination for all of Costa Rica, even boasting its own international airport to service incoming luxury travelers.
Though it is difficult to find accommodations in this area with fewer than four stars, the leader in the region is easily the Four Seasons Papagayo. This resort offers an award-winning spa, a golf course and exclusive white-sand beaches that allow travelers some much-needed R&R.
Santa Teresa
Second only to Papagayo in terms of high class and luxury offerings, Santa Teresa is a well-known vacation spot for the rich and famous. Though much of Costa Rica is navigable by car, Santa Teresa is isolated on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, which means visitors need a chartered plane or ferry to reach this deluxe region.
Unlike other areas of Costa Rica, Santa Teresa doesn’t attract the big-name hotel chains like Marriot or Westin; instead, travelers should book rooms at Florblanca or Latitude 10, both of which are beachfront resorts with stellar reputations.
Arenal
The Arenal region is known for one of the most dominant features of the Costa Rican landscape: the Arenal Volcano. Though Arenal isn’t nearly as active as it once was – the freely flowing lava is now replaced by meager puffs of smoke. Still, years of volcanic activity have mad the Arenal region flourish with gorgeous rainforest, and luxury visitors have access to some unique features, as well.
For example, the Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort offers some of the most deluxe lodgings in the country. Here, travelers stay in world-class rooms and have access to award-winning restaurants – but more importantly, they can lounge in natural hot springs. These waters also feed lush gardens and spas, giving guests comprehensive Costa Rican luxury.
Manuel Antonio
Roughly one-quarter of Costa Rica is national park and nature preserves. Manuel Antonio National Park Is among the most beautiful in the country, and it is also among the most glamorous. Here, visitors will have greater opportunities to see some of Costa Rica’s most fascinating wildlife, including sloths, tropical birds, several species of monkeys and even giant cats like the jaguar, ocelot and margay – and even better, they can do so from the comfort of their luxury accommodations.
The best option in this region is Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, which claims several awards for its sustainability efforts and world-class luxury. From the hotel, guests can walk to the park or to one of several top-tier restaurants, art galleries and even nightlife options. Visitors can also find world-class Costa Rica beaches just outside their doorstep.
Tamarindo
Though Tamarindo has long claimed a reputation as a scruffy and cheap beach town, the area is beginning to cater more to luxury tourists. First, the roads have been paved, allowing visitors staying in higher-class regions – like Papagayo or Arenal – easier access to the local flavor. Secondly, new restaurants and high-rise accommodations have appeared, providing more attractive and enticing options to potential guests.
The beach is Tamarindo’s best attraction, so travelers should primarily look to beachfront lodgings like The Westin Resport and Spa Playa Conchal. However, there are smaller, more authentic luxury options, to include Los Altos de Eros and Hacienda Pinilla.
Los Suenos
Just an hour outside Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, Los Seunos promises luxury on a budget. Though none of this region’s accommodations and attractions are quite as well-appointed as other posh spots around the country, Los Suenos does provide most of the amenities luxury travelers crave – e.g. spacious rooms, stunning swimming pools, beautiful golf courses, etc. – without the hassle of traveling from one place in Costa Rica to another.
